Job Information
Harvard University Director, Events Strategy and Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts
66511BRAuto req ID:66511BRJob Code:361059 Administrative Manager Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Director, Events Strategy and ManagementSub-Unit:Office of the President and Provost Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :059Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 8 years’ office experience in planning and coordinating meetings, events, administrative management, and related projects.
Previous experience managing and executing events required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience working in a higher education environment preferable.
High attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational, time management, interpersonal and communication skills.
Competency with full Microsoft Office suite of programs and Zoom.
Knowledge of cVent is preferred. Willingness to learn cVent is required.
Ability to work effectively with different stakeholders, in a fast-paced environment, using creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently, use judgment, and provide excellent client service.
Strong written and oral communication skills required.
Strong computer skills, including database management.
Ability to set priorities among competing tasks, multiple constituencies, and deadlines.
Must be able to manage the demands of multiple constituencies.
Ability to develop staff, deliver positive and constructive feedback, and motivate staff to deliver quality work.
This position requires good judgment, discretion, confidentiality, an understanding of processes and excellent diplomatic skills to represent the Salata Institute.
Additional Information:
A cover letter is required.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
The position is based on the Harvard University campus with the option of working remotely one day per week.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
Evenings and weekend work can be significant during peak periods.
Some travel required.
Department:Salata Institute for Climate and SustainabilityPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per weekJob Function:General Administration Position Description:The list below covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. However, it does not exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would conform with the position level.
Reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the Salata Institute’s Management Team.
Has in-depth knowledge on priorities and initiatives of the Salata Institute and inspires and motivates team to drive event planning with those priorities in mind.
Manages internal events calendar, prioritizing events based on the Institute’s mission and goals, and allocates resources accordingly.
Works and communicates closely with the senior leadership of the Salata Institute to develop and execute the Institute’s event strategy.
Develops event performance metrics and collects performance data that inform event strategy and management.
Event Planning and Implementation
Manages and leads the execution of a diverse portfolio of high-profile events.
Supervises a team of events officers, who assist the Director in event management.
Motivates and mentors staff assigned to events.
Manages contractors and student volunteers, who the Salata Institute may engage in large scale events.
Ensures planning teams are working towards event goals.
Informs leadership and any event collaborators about the status of event plans, including any issues, in a timely manner.
Plans the experience and ambience at events creatively and appropriately.
Secures event venues and arranges support services (AV, catering, etc.) by working with vendors, handling contract negotiations and logistics, to ensure events are executed well, on-time and on-budget.
Supervises support staff, including student volunteers, as assigned.
Troubleshoots problems with virtual and in-person events.
Formulates event plans, makes staff assignments, and identifies responsibilities for all events.
Creates an environment of continuous improvement based on systematic performance measurement.
School/Unit:University Administration EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:The Salata Institute organizes an array of events that advance its mission to develop and promote durable, effective, and equitable solutions to the climate change challenges confronting humanity.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Events Strategy and Management will be a part of the Salata Institute’s leadership team and be integral in ensuring that the Institute delivers consistently excellent and impactful events, with keen attention to detail, which advance the Institute’s mission.
As a doer-manager, the Director will make strategic recommendations on event strategy based on programmatic and development goals and event performance data. The Director will also be responsible for the successful execution of a portfolio of high-level, large and small events, on- and off-campus, often occurring in overlapping timeframes. The Director will advise and collaborate with the Institute’s leadership and appropriate staff, who will be primarily responsible for the programming of these events. (Programming will entail articulating the goals of events, identifying prospective event participants and securing their participation in a timely manner, specifying audiences, and collaborating with the Director and other Events staff, as necessary, to ensure the successful execution of events.)
The portfolio of events will include, but will not be limited to, events such as speeches and panel discussions before public or specialized audiences; closed-door convenings among faculty and climate practitioners; academic workshops and conferences; webinars; student-oriented convenings; off-campus events, such as panel discussions, receptions, and dinners abroad during the annual Conference of Parties (COP), New York Climate Week, Washington DC, and elsewhere. The portfolio will include Harvard Climate Action Week, which typically comprises a variety of plenary and breakout sessions, as well as reception and dinner, which the Institute organizes in conjunction with Harvard Schools, Centers, and Institutes, as well as the Alumni Affairs & Development.
The Director will identify typologies of events and develop templates and processes for systematizing event management and execution. The Director will also develop performance metrics, collect performance data, and use the data to inform event strategy and to continuously improve event management and delivery.
This position directly supervises a team of events officers, who assist the Director in managing logistics for large-scale, multi-day, University-wide and complex events, as well as other smaller-scale events having to do with stakeholder engagement, alumni relations, development, and University leaders. The Director oversees the events team members’ professional development and event workload. The Director must be able to provide meaningful feedback and guidance to team members, as well as establish a collaborative work environment that enables an efficient and positive approach to a high-volume workload. The Director will lead and motivate the events officers to maintain deadlines and articulate roles and responsibilities. This position will operate in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-EP1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.